All Campers Safe after Fire Forces AYF Camp Evacuation

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif.-A brush fire that started near AYF Camp Big Pines forced an evacuation of the camp to ensure the safety of campers. All campers have returned home.

The fire, dubbed the Pines Fire, started around 9:40 p.m. Friday near the Mountain High ski resort and spread quickly. As of 9:30 a.m. Saturday the fire had engulfed some 200 acres. Angeles Crest Highway remains closed from Wrightwood to Big Pines, where the AYF Camp is located, reported Caltrans.

The evacuation of AYF Camp was carried out swiftly to ensure the safety of all campers.

The AYF Camp committee, along with the camp staff worked with fire and law enforcement agencies to determine the extent of the fire and, once it became clear that nearby roads would be closed, a mandatory evacuation was announced.

Community members from Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, the San Fernando Valley mobilized and in the early morning hours drove to AYF Camp to help in the evacuation effort.

No damage has been reported to AYF Camp, which was conducting its fourth session for the summer, at maximum capacity.

“Although there was no immediate danger to AYF Camp, we evacuated the campers and ensured that each camper was safely returned home,” said Aram Madenlian, chairmen of the AYF Camp board, whose members and community volunteers drove out to the area in the early morning hours to assist and monitor the evacuation process.

“For us the safety of our campers is the most important,” said Madenlian. “We intend to continue our summer sessions, as long as the safety of our campers is ensured.”

AYF Camp Board and managements will notify all campers and their families about the status of upcoming sessions.